It is my favorite time of the month again the Int'l Bloggers Club Challenge, when I team up with my blogging friends to compare lifestyles from our respective countries . As you may recall in the past months we have focused on shopping, and spring flowers, breakfast and much more. This month's theme is summer activities in Greece. And boy, do I have lots of those.

We take care of our shopping in the morning because the stores close at 2 pm. Only the supermarkets remain open. This was very hard for me to adjust to, after living in New York, the city that never sleeps.

At this point we go home and have lunch and then it is siesta time. It is a necessity here in Greece because it gets so hot you can't go outside and even if you do, everything is closed. The only place to go is the beach.

For those of us who do not have set hours in the workforce (that would be me), we can afford to go early in the morning to the beach. But for the folks who have a steady job the beach time for them is after lunch.

Some go to the beach for a few hours, take their "Bath" and then head home. Others make an afternoon out of it, and spend the day and evening at the beach. Needless to say, there are many cafes and bars at the beach for refreshments and food.

Once the afternoon is upon us, the stores re-open (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays). That took me years to get used to. At this time, people leave their homes and go to visit their friends, or out for a cup of coffee.

The expression "going out for a cup of coffee" is not literal. It encompasses going out to town to meet with friends and just a general outdoor meeting of people. Even folks that don't drink coffee use this expression.

At night when the sun goes down we gather in cultural centers for Theater, Music and Dance performances. I am lucky to have this one in our town which is outdoors. We also have local vineyards that host events over the summer.

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​After all of this activity I am ready for bed. But many go out to restaurants and bars for late dinner or drinks. The younger set goes to the many clubs which open after midnight and dances the night away till the morning. Too much excitement for this old mom.

I prefer evening boat rides into the sunset. ​ Did I mention that the country shuts down for the month of August? Everyone is on vacation then. The folks who live in the big cities come to the country and go to the many islands. I consider myself lucky to live in an area that others consider to be a vacation spot.

Of course there are some lucky folks who also have their ancestral homes in the mountains. They go there for a few weeks during the summer. Don't ask me what they do there. I need to be near the water.

​That should cover it for our summer activities in Greece. I'm sure many of my readers can easily add to the list. If you'd like to see more past challenges click here.

Now off to visit the other three bloggers where you can see the summer activities of their countries. What activities are unique to your regions? Do you also have siestas? Do the stores in your areas close and leave you suffering like me?
Τώρα επισκεφθείτε τις άλλες τρεις μπλογκερς να δείτε τις καλοκαιρινές δραστηριοτητες που έχουν στις χώρες τους. Ποιες δραστηριότητες είναι μοναδικές για τις περιοχές σας; Έχετε επίσης μεσημεριανούς ύπνους; Κλείνουν τα καταστήματα στις περιοχές σας και υποφέρετε σαν εμένα;

​If you like what you see, share it with your friends, or save it on Pinterest. If you really like what you see subscribe to my blog and get my adventures twice a week in your mailbox.

I know many countries in Europe have siesta time. Personally, it sounds wonderful to me. It sounds like you live in a really beautiful area, Mary, just like our youngest son and his family who live by Lake Michigan in a resort town.

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Mary

7/25/2016 03:25:35 pm

It really is so beautiful Carol. The only drawback is that tourism is down and so we cannot be hosts to visitors who would otherwise come to our beaches. Perhaps all these diffuculties will pass and tourism will pick up again. As you can see we have much to offer.

Mary that's a nice summer day in your beautiful town. I think we all in the Mediterranean have siestas, it's too hot between 2 and 4pm to go anywhere. Our local shops also close and open at that time, we only have big supermarkets that remain opened from 10 am to 10 pm.
You are fortunate to live so close to the beach and enjoy your boat rides and have a bath early in the sea when there aren't too many people. Coffees are always full here too. By the way, love the picture of the summer rock!

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Mary

7/25/2016 03:33:04 pm

Pili, we have much more in common than differences. Our stores close at 2 and open at 6 and in the winter it is pushed back an hour. As for the supermarkets they open at 9 and close at 9 pm. The summer rock was a creation of Ina the Tea Lady. I borrowed the photo from her. haha.

Hello Mary,
you're indeed very fortunate to live where other people go on vacation. I would love to live near the sea, that's why I try to go an visit my parents as often as possible. The sea touches my soul and sometimes I have a deep longing for it. Thank you for taking us on this little trip!
Have a lovely summer,
Marjan

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Mary

7/25/2016 03:36:05 pm

Marjan that is exactly how I feel too. I have a longing for the sea and it touches my soul too. I could not imagine living in the middle of a continent. I would feel as if I'm chocking. It's good that you have someplace to go in order to enjoy the seashore. A break from your ordinary life. Have a wonderful summer!

Mary, Greece looks like so much fun and having the beach in the hot weather sure is great, hey? Here all shuts down for siesta, it took me a while to get used to that as well, except for the malls of course, those are open, but you won't see many people outside during siesta hours. It's so hot here as well! I love the tour you gave us with all the amazing spots to visit and see, it would be a fun summer trip!

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Mary

7/25/2016 03:53:47 pm

We live in very similar areas the only real difference is the language. Also we Greeks yell a lot, when we are talking, I don't know about the Spaniards. Would you believe it that there are no malls around here. There are some but they are about an hour away in the city. Enjoy your summer Katrin!

I love the idea of the whole town shutting down for several hours a day...as you know, here in the US we are constantly running, which is not a good thing. Think I could adopt a Greek/European siesta schedule just for my home? Hmmm...might work.
Thanks again for the virtual field trip. Looking forward to the next one.
Hugs...Lynn

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Mary

7/25/2016 04:01:18 pm

This idea of the town shutting down was really tough on me in the beginning because I was not used to taking naps. It took me many years to become accustomed to the idea. I wholeheartedly recommend a siesta, and it doen't need to be a long one. Even 20 minutes will refresh you. Thanks for the visit Lynn.

Mary, Greece looks amazing!! Coffee is always a perfect way to start the morning, love the cafes. That's neat that the shops close at 2 for siesta. If I were visiting you in Greece the phrase "going out for coffee" would have confused me; I would have invited myself along each time someone said coffee. Lol. My girls would love playing soccer in the square and going for a carriage ride. The night theater looks like a lot of fun, but so does an evening boat ride. I can see why your home is considered to be a vacation destination; it's paradise. Thanks for sharing your beautiful country with us!!

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Mary

7/25/2016 04:13:34 pm

Keri it is beautiful for for nature that we have around us. As for everything else, we take what we can get. We are lucky that there are areas where children can play. An effort has been made these past few years to create playgrounds that are safe for the children. I know your little ones would love it here, especially in the water.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your area and what a typical day is like for many. I had a good idea it was similar to this as Poppy told me about it a while back, but seeing the pictures to go along with the activities was very helpful.

Are the beaches rocky in Greece?

Siesta time is until 4, and I understand the stores open then but when do they close for night? Also, it sounds like that just happen three days a week. On the other days do they remain closed?

Sorry for all the questions....I'm nosey ;).

(Actually, Greece is on my bucket list so I'd love to get as much info as I can).

xxx

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Mary

7/25/2016 04:30:52 pm

I'm glad I could provide pictures to go along with Poppy's amazing prose. Now to answer your questions. Some beaches are sandy and others are pebbly. We have both. Siesta in Greece is from 2 till 6 pm. The sun is still very strong and the store owners do not open till 6 pm. They close up again at 9 pm. Now in the winter time, we still have siesta but the stores open at 5 pm and close at 8 pm.

Yes they are opened for 3 days out of the week in the afternoons. If you want something Monday or Wednesday you are out of luck. However all the cafes and restaurants are opened every day. I think that in very touristy areas the 3 day rule may not apply, because you need to have the stores open in order to sell to the tourists. And if you make it here , I will definitely be waiting to greet you! I'm right here. if you have more questions.

Oh Mary you have no idea how jealous I am of both your gorgeous surroundings and living by the water but also your lifestyle (which I know I don't have to explain to you because you're from New York). Siesta...I wish! I just love the tours you take us on, Mary. Keep them coming!

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Mary

7/25/2016 04:45:58 pm

Marie the siesta is a necessity. We simply don't have the energy to function in the middle of the day. The heat can get to be so oppressive. But New York has air conditioning which I really love. In all fairness to Greece, there is A/C in a lot of stores and homes, I guess it is more of a tradition at this point. The rhythm of the people going back hundreds of years.

It was so fun to learn more about Greece from your perspective, Mary. I would love to have performances to go to regularly like you have. And the outdoor cafes look so pleasant. How nice to have the whole month of August off!

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Mary

7/26/2016 04:04:11 am

We are really lucky in that we live nearby the outdoor theater Julie. The month of August is nice to have off, it is usually for all the public sector but us regular folks sneak days here and there.

I loved your pictures of Greece you are so lucky to be living there,I have been lots of times its my favourite place,I feel you have the same sense of humour as us Irish I found the people fantastic,I will definitely go back.Thanks for the memories your photos brought.

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Mary

8/3/2016 06:23:51 pm

I am so happy to hear that you have visited here. It really is a beautiful country, now if we did not have so many problems it would be pure bliss. But we try to revel in the important things which is the sea and the land.

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Ellen

7/25/2016 08:28:38 pm

Greece appears to have the perfect places to enjoy summer. So many fun things to see and do, all of them make one want to hop on the next flight to Greece! You had me with the horse drawn carriage ride. This Int'l Bloggers Challenge is the best yet! Thank-you for this beautiful tour of Greece.

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Mary

8/3/2016 06:26:30 pm

Thank you so much Ellen. I am really having so much fun with the ladies from the club. We get to compare notes and see how things are different yet also similar. Thank you for your kind words.

Hi Mary, early morning swims or evening swims are the best kind of therapy for the heat that I can think of! As a youngster, I spent many a week up in the mountains during the summer with the family. It was a novelty getting our milk fresh from a man and his goat, not keen on goats milk though. I remember we just hung out, explored, played games, read. I did prefer it by the sea though.

I would love to know just how much coffee is consumed in Greece! We are already bracing ourselves for the madness that is August!

Oh my, it sounds and looks like such an idyllic place to stay, gorgeous weather, stunning beaches and siestas. Wow, you'r really lucky and as always your photos capture the vibe so beautifully. Enjoy the rest of summer Mary.

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Mary

8/3/2016 06:30:12 pm

Thank you Michelle. It looks perfect and it is most of the time, but right now we are suffering thru a heat wave. I think what is important is to go along with the rhythms of the weather and not fight it.

Oh Mary, your post fills me with longing. How I miss Greece, I spent 7 happy years in Greece and have many wonderful memories. I actually met my other half whilst living in Greece and that is the reason that I live in the Netherlands now. We have vowed to return to Kos next year with the kids and catch up with some old friends. Thanks for sharing - I really enjoyed reading your post :)

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Mary

8/5/2016 02:02:15 pm

Sam I am so happy to hear all of this. I try to write about Greece and about repurposing so I hope you like the blog. I also went and checked out your blog. What a great blog with lots of cool ideas. I like how you have transformed your new home. We will definitely be keeping in touch.

Thank you for showing us around, Mary! It's wonderful that you are so close to the beach. For us it's a 30 minutes drive and while this is not so far away, we don't go there often. I haven't seen any shops here closing for a siesta but I avoid the city, especially during the summer. The little village shop were we often buy groceries and the mall are always open during the afternoons.
Cafés are very well frequented here too. It seems to be the place to meet.
A thunderstorm is coming up right now. The air has already cooled down a little bit. It's a bit of a relief even though it won't last long. I'm looking forward to September.
Have a great week and enjoy the beach! :)

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Mary

8/5/2016 02:15:06 pm

Julia, I am looking forward to November. haha! That is when it starts to cool down and I feel human again, I love to light up the fireplace and sit next to it. But I guess summer does have it's treats. And I am lucky to live near the beach. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.

WOW! Girl...I am so jealous of you! What a wonderful place to live. I have enjoyed this blog post so much. I love to read and see how other places in the world live and do. This has been very interesting for me to read. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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Mary

8/5/2016 02:21:14 pm

I am so glad to be able to share all of this with you Cindy. I try to show things from the average joe's point of view. You won't catch me in fancy islands dancing on top of tables. Thank you so much for your sweeet comment. It is comments like your's which keep me going.

Your summer days sound wonderful. I would love to get business done in an outdoor cafe. I am lucky to live by the ocean too, and I agree that it is very therapeutic. We go as often as we can. Thank you for sharing what life is like in Greece. So much fun to read.

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Mary

8/5/2016 02:43:43 pm

Thank you for joining me to read about our lives here. The sea has a special pull that keeps us grounded I think.

I really love posts that show how people live their lives.... so this one makes me super happy. Thanks for letting us spend the day with you.

Lisa @ Life Thru the Lens

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Mary

8/5/2016 02:48:25 pm

It was my pleasure Lisa. I try to get out as much as possible but the blog has me chained to the computer a lot. But once in a while I go out with my camera and enjoy the sites. It's funny how you don't pay attention to what's around you till you are forced to. Life can get so hectic sometimes. This was the perfect opportunity for me to real look and see.

That is what I call the good life. Would love to spend some summer days in Greece!

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Mary

8/5/2016 03:28:41 pm

Ruth it is a life. It is made much more bearable by the beauty that surrounds us. Although right now we could use a bit more of a sound economy. We have to try and find new ways to survive. Thank you for visiting.

Gorgeous! Just, gorgeous! I think it's so cool that you spend time over coffee to network and be with loved ones! I don't drink coffee, but I understand the use of the phrase. We do that too here in the U.S. I'd probably sip on some tea while everyone goes with the caffeine boost. Maybe I can incorporate some of these things into my day even though I'm on the other side of the world. ;)

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Mary

8/5/2016 03:41:23 pm

Gina the siesta is a great thing to incorporate into your life. Even if it's a short one. In the winter I don't do siestas but in the summer I have no choice, I just konk out from the heat. Maybe it's natures way of telling us to slow down.

What a lovely photo essay of a typical summer day in Greece for you! This is a place I'll never see first hand, so it's nice to see it through your eyes. It's so interesting seeing the mountains and sea together in many of your photos. You won't find that along here in the states or at least not in the east. I'm not much of a water person and prefer the mountains, but it's nice to escape to the beach once in a blue moon. Thanks for sharing!

I believe that is why the town was built in this location hundreds of years ago Cathy, to have access to both. We need the sea for fish and transport and we need the mountains for the animals and the trees. And on the plain we grow lots of fruits and veggies. The best of both worlds.

Mary, I love your stunning photos. When I was in Switzerland I fell in love with shopping in the morning for the afternoon meal, everything was always fresh and tasty. I don't think I even step into a grocery store while I was there. I do miss that here in the States. In Switzerland, the siesta started at 2:00pm and lasted for 3 hours. Everything closed and the main meal of the day was served, naps were taken and all those in the workforce went back to work until about 9:00/10:00pm, returned for a light supper or dined out. I just loved that way of life! Thank you for sharing with us at #SimplifyWednesdays. I look forward to seeing what you share next week! Pinned, Tweeted, Shared

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Mary

8/5/2016 03:45:53 pm

Carla that is so interesting that they do that in Switzerland. I thought it was only in the Mediterannean countries that the siesta was the norm. How very interesting. Thank you for that bit of information.

Thanks for sharing your day in Greece. It was fun learning about another culture. I love the idea of siestas mid-day, but I don't think I'd want to give up my air conditioning for it! I'd rather power through! But the images of the water near your home are so appealing! I'd love to visit Greece someday! :)

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Mary

8/5/2016 03:59:04 pm

Many of us have air conditioning here in Greece, but I prefer not to have any because I am lucky to live in a high apartment so we get a full breeze thru the house all day. I think it is more a tradition that has stayed even though it does not serve its' purpose anymore. I hope that you have a chance to visit someday Mandy.

What a wonderful peek into how Life is in Greece, I loved reading it! Thanks so much for sharing this with us at the DI & DI Link Party. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did having you.

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Mary

8/5/2016 04:00:14 pm

Thank you Christine . It was a lot of fun for me to write this post as well. I actually had to sit down and be deliberate with myself and think thru what we do every day.

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Laurie

7/27/2016 08:41:14 pm

Mary, Thanks so much for sharing so much about your home and your life there. It is a very beautiful place and your pictures are always interesting and your narrative, enjoyable! Thank you to for taking the time to stop by and link up your posts with us at Brag About It!
Laurie

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Mary

8/5/2016 03:53:30 pm

Laurie, your party is one of my favorites and one I always look forward to visiting. And it makes me happy to show another side of life in Greece instead of all the glossy touristy things you normally see.

What a lovely old world lifestyle!! I wish we had siesta time here in the states!!! To be able to slow down and enjoy life and the people and things around us is what is lacking here in the states!! Thank you for sharing at TaDa Thursday, I love the peeks into your life in Greece :)

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Mary

8/5/2016 04:01:59 pm

I agree with you Susanne. Things run too fast in the States especially in the Northeast. That is the one benefit of living here, although lately we too have adopted many of the Western ways of life.

Boy, we sure do things wrong in America! Many people don't even take the vacation time that they work for. Work is so prized (and I am a harder worker than many) that we don't have time to stop and enjoy life. The people of Greece have this figured out!! Good job!

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Mary

8/5/2016 04:04:25 pm

That is so true Melony we are made to feel guilty for taking the vacation that we so rightly need and deserve. How can we be effective at our workplace if we do not have some time to recharge our batteries? Life is too short to do othewise. But there must be a balance. Many of our young people spend their days in the cafes because the unemployment rate for the youth is at 60%. So there is no paradise.

Thanks for taking us with you on your walk. What great scenery. I love the architecture and the carriage is gorgeous!

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Mary

8/5/2016 04:18:14 pm

Thank you Betty for stopping by. The carriage is a nice surprise. As for the architecture, the town I live in had a huge earthquake 20 years ago and most of the older buildings were destroyed but a few were able to be restored.

Super lovely place! Everything looks so stunning whether its architecture or the view!

Like you I had a problem with the times the store close in here too. In Manila where I am from its 24/7 and where we first live here in the UK everything is gone after school! We moved in a busier area and it feels wee better.

#photofriday

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Mary

8/5/2016 04:22:55 pm

Merlinda, when we change our location we also have to change our mindset. Now when I go to the big cities I feel stifled. because I've become so used to the slower pace of life.

Mary I would be lost. I don't even like to leave my home that much and when I am in my hometown I never socialize in the daytime only with my husband in the evening. When closing in August and I was aware of that...what all is closed?

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Mary

8/5/2016 04:27:05 pm

I am a homebody too Debbie. But everyonece in a while I have to go out to take photos. Otherwise the blog would be empty. I can't just work on diy projects all the time... the paint won't dry in the summer time. haha.

As for closing what I meant was that many of the official gov't agencies go on vacation. August is the month that many people take their vacations, nothing functions as it should (not that it ever really done) but even less so.

I someday will go to the greek islands, at the moment I am obsessed with Italy planning a month trip next year!
Maria

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Mary

8/5/2016 04:41:24 pm

Maria, I can't blame you Italy is gorgeous. And they also know how to maximize their riches, their tourist appeal, something which we have not done. We have so much to offer in the way of ecotourism but we have not developed it. We also have a lot of ancient ruins but we have not built museums or centers to display these theings properly. I hope you post about your trip.

How neat to get a glimpse of life on the other side of the world. It sounds lovely and the pictures are just wonderful.

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Mary

8/5/2016 04:30:07 pm

Thank you so much. Blogging is so much fun because it gives us the opportunity to explore things and places that we would not have otherwise and also to communicate with each other. Thank you for visiting.

Mary, I love seeing how you live and what the country is like. It's so cool to see how others do things in their daily lives. Love the thought of a siesta! But I too would have trouble remembering that the stores were not open whenever I wanted to go. We are a bit spoiled here, or perhaps it just shows that our world runs on consumerism, not on relationships over coffee. Something to think about!

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Mary

8/5/2016 04:19:36 pm

That thing with the stores took me a while to get used to. I was also used to 24 hour stores and such. But now that I am used to it, it is a welcome respite from the pressures of life.

I've always wanted to go to Greece. I've never made it but enjoy my little trips with you. Thank you!

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tomthebackroadstraveller

7/15/2019 10:50:13 am

...summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors and Greece is no exception. Wonderful images, thanks for stopping by.

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Mary

7/22/2019 12:05:08 am

Thanks Tom, Greece is made for the summertime.

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I'm Mary and I recently moved to New York from beautiful Greece. I like to re-purpose and up-cycle anything that is old or looks like junk. Join me as we use our creativity to spark some life into old things. And do it frugally! You will also see lots of photography of my Greece and New York.

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